Rookie Eli Raridon has stepped up as the Patriots' second tight end, and he could eventually become the No.
1 option at the position. Raridon has missed most of two games due to injury, but his role has been consistent in the other three. He’s played 56. 3% of the Patriots' total snaps, with 49. 5% in 11 personnel on early downs, 94. 4% of two-tight end sets and 7. 3% of 11 personnel on third downs. Hunter Henry has taken everything else. While there has been no sign of a change in roles so far this season, Raridon has played well enough that it’s worth considering. Raridon caught five passes for 57 yards this week. He has averaged 2. 02 yards per route run on the season compared to 1. 46 by Henry. While we can’t trust Raridon in his current role, if there is any tight end to pick up in hopes of a bigger role in the second half of the season, it appears to be Raridon. While Henry scored a touchdown this week, his route participation rate is down with this rotation with Raridon. If it changes even slightly, that could be the end of Henry having fantasy value this season.